YOUNG farmers from Hawkshaw have proved themselves the cream of the crop when it comes to raising funds for Christie Hospital.

Together with colleagues from Chorley, they were among 14 farmers who lugged two telegraph poles from Edgworth to Chapeltown and back.

And their efforts have boosted the coffers of the cancer centre by an impressive £1,860.

One consolation for the burly farmers was there just happened to be eight places serving liquid refreshments along the two and a half mile route.

So, by the time the two teams reached base at the White Horse, Edgworth, they were so merry that that all clattered in together.

Brian Stott came up with the idea for the fund-raiser. His wife, Mavis, has been treated at Christie's and he had earlier read about a similar fund-raising stunt. He said: "It was meant to be a contest between local farm workers and Young Farmers Club members from Hawkshaw and Chorley.

"But Christie's turned out to be the only winner and that's fine by us.

"I wasn't thinking of doing it myself, mind. I'm a bit long in the tooth for that," added 60-year-old Brian.

"But I knew some local lads who might be persuaded, especially after a couple of pints."

A farmer provided the old telegraph poles and the lads proved more than willing.

"I thought they'd be cursing me afterwards," Brian went on. "But they enjoyed it so much, they want to do it again next year."

Meanwhile, Christie's want people to donate their old foreign currency. It means the cancer centre will get its equivalent in sterling, plus a bonus.

For details of how to help Europe's biggest cancer centre, ring (0161) 446 3988.